Florida high school football player, 18, dies after collapsing during Friday night game

A Florida high school football player is dead after he collapsed during his school’s game Friday.

Chance Gainer, a senior at Port St. Joe High School in Florida’s panhandle, is the seventh high school athlete to die this school year.

According to Gulf District Schools Superintendent Jim Norton, the recently turned 18-year-old was on the field just before halftime, running toward the play when all of a sudden he dropped to the ground. His coaches ran onto the field and immediately called for paramedics.

Gainer reportedly did not have a pulse when he was first attended to, but prior to being placed in the ambulance EMTs were able to get a pulse. The teen was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died.

The high school’s athletic director, Vice Principal Tim Davis, was present at the game and told Northwest Florida Daily News there was about four minutes left in Friday’s game when school officials learned the teen died.

The decision was made that the teams would finish the game, which Port St. Joe won 28-0, before Gainer’s teammates were told of the outcome.

“The scene was heartbreaking,” Davis said. “Parents came down on the field to comfort their kids. Such a helpless feeling.”

A GoFundMe was set up to help the Gainer family with financial support as they work their way through their loss. As of Monday afternoon, more than $64,000 has been raised.

The Gulf County School district has announced a series of events, ending with a celebration of life, to honor Gainer.

It breaks my heart to hear about yet another student athlete who has lost their life doing what they love. Chance, may you rest in peace.

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